McCrory chooses Rhyne as counsel for transition

SARAH LOWERY
Staff Writer

Johnathan Rhyne, former state representative and partner at The Jonas Law Firm in downtown Lincolnton, will join Governor-elect Pat McCrory’s transition-leadership team, the former Charlotte mayor announced Thursday.

McCrory defeated Democratic opponent Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton Tuesday night in his bid to be the first Republican in 20 years to occupy North Carolina’s Executive Mansion. He revealed his transition team during a press conference Thursday in Raleigh.

Rhyne, who practices civil litigation and family law, will serve as general counsel to the transition team. He previously served six terms in the N.C. House of Representatives, and was the House Minority Leader from 1989 to 1992. He was also a member of the Advisory Budget Commission from 1989 to 1990.

After moving outside of the 97th District to Gaston County last year, Rhyne was forced to resign his post in the General Assembly.

He was also recently appointed by N.C. Speaker of the House Thom Tillis to serve on the board of directors for the state’s Golden L.E.A.F. (Long-Term Economic Advancement) Foundation.

The Times-News was unable to reach Rhyne for comment regarding the announcement.